Renne Field Project: A Game-Changer for Newberg’s Youth Sports Community

By Rebecca Wallis

NEWBERG, OR – October 4, 2024

Newberg’s youth sports community is on the verge of a transformation with Chehalem Park and Recreation District (CPRD) leading the charge. The Renne Field project promises to bring much-needed turf sports fields to the area, providing local kids with an opportunity to thrive in their favorite activities—something the community has been without for far too long.

Youth sports and high-quality, accessible parks are a top priority for CPRD and the Newberg community. Matt Smith, CPRD President, emphasizes the critical importance of the Renne Field project:

“Our lack of turf field has severely limited youth sports in our area to the point where practices and games can’t be played, or are considered unsafe. Our youth sport athletes total over 1,000 in fall and spring, during wet seasons rendering many grass fields unplayable. This project delivers on our commitment to the community to improve conditions for our youth athletes. Further, the south side of town desperately needs public parks with recreation opportunities like this. They also need parks that are well taken care of and not in disrepair. At the current time, Renne is simply not up to the standard CPRD or our community expect from such a historic and important park. We are answering the call in delivering an investment into the future of our youth athletes, our school district as well as the south side of town who desperately need a ‘win.’”

Julie Petersen, Supervisor of Recreation/Sports/Golf, Aquatics/Care/Sr. Center, shared additional details about the exciting improvements coming to Renne Field:

“The update of Renne Field will also include the installation of an 8-lane synthetic track with track amenities, a concession stand, restrooms, two pickleball courts, an ADA-compliant pathway, and lighting. Included in the cost of the project will be road engineering and required public improvements for roads, including sidewalks. The CPRD sports programming staff and both the CPRD and NSD boards have long been discussing the community’s needs for more youth sports fields. Currently, the majority of youth soccer, lacrosse, and football teams practice and play games in the outfields of softball and baseball fields (Jaquith Park and Darnell Wright Sports Complex). In 2022, joint discussions between CPRD Sports Supervisor and Dave Brown, then NSD Board Chair, began on how to address the need for increased playable sports fields while improving the Renne Park property at the same time. This project is about creating a community space everyone can enjoy. CPRD is thankful for the strong partnership with Newberg-Dundee Public Schools and together we are committed to giving kids and the community opportunities to stay active and involved. We’re grateful for the shared vision and support that will bring this project to life.”

While Newberg High School does have one turf field, it is not open to the public, further limiting the options for youth sports teams. Practices and games are often canceled, frustrating both players and coaches who want to see kids engaged in healthy, active lifestyles. The Renne Field project seeks to solve this issue by creating a state-of-the-art sports facility that can be used year-round.

Plans are now in motion to improve Renne Park, located at South Blaine and East Sixth Streets, during the summer of 2025. The first phase of this multi-phase project will include the installation of artificial turf, the construction of bathrooms, and fencing around the park. These much-needed upgrades will enhance the sports experience for local children while also making the park more accessible and functional for the broader community.

The Renne Park project is a joint effort of Newberg-Dundee Public Schools (NDPS), which owns the land, and CPRD, which maintains it. The park has long been a community hub, hosting events and activities such as the Newberg Classic Fire Apparatus Show, Newberg High School rugby, and CPRD youth sports like soccer and track. It also serves as the staging area for one of the biggest events of the year—the Newberg Old-Fashioned Festival Grand Parade. Together, NDPS and CPRD have made significant progress toward transforming this beloved community space.

In addition to securing a $1 million grant from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) Local Government Grant Program, NDPS has received a $750,000 grant from Oregon Administrative Services, and CPRD has agreed to provide another $750,000 for the project. This combined $2.5 million budget will go a long way in ensuring that the park’s upgrades meet the needs of the entire community while offering a state-of-the-art facility for local youth sports.

The Renne Field project isn’t just about creating a space for sports—it’s about investing in the future of the town’s youth. Physical activity is a crucial part of childhood development, promoting both physical health and important life skills like teamwork, discipline, and leadership. CPRD’s dedication to providing top-tier facilities ensures that Newberg’s children will have the resources they need to excel, both on and off the field.

As CPRD moves forward with the Renne Field project, local families, coaches, and community leaders can look forward to a future where Newberg’s kids will finally have access to the kinds of facilities they deserve. By providing high-quality turf fields, CPRD is not only addressing a long-standing gap in Newberg’s sports infrastructure but also creating a space where kids can learn, grow, and succeed for years to come.

Photo Credit: Chehalem Park and Recreation